Director, Career Center

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona; Pomona (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona invites applications for a senior leadership role within the Career Center. The position focuses on strategic leadership of career readiness programs, cross-campus collaboration, and partnerships to advance student success and post-graduate outcomes.

The role emphasizes equity and inclusive access to career development opportunities. The Career Center operates within University Advising and Career Development, aligning with the Division of Academic

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership for Career Center programs and cross-campus career development initiatives
• Develop long-range plans and priorities aligned with university goals
• Coordinate and lead contributions to career readiness throughout student lifecycle
• Establish measurable goals and assessment strategies
• Advance equitable access and participation in career services

Job description

Job no: 561262
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Pomona
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Full Time, Student Services

Type of Appointment: Full-Time, At Will

Job Classification: Administrator I

Anticipated Hiring Range: Up to $100,152 annually (Commensurate with skills and qualifications)

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, unless otherwise notified

Recruitment Closing Date: September 11, 2026

THE DEPARTMENT:

The Career Center is a unit within University Advising and Career Development in the Office of Student Success, Division of Academic Affairs. The Career Center supports student career readiness, professional development, experiential learning, employer engagement, and post-graduation success. Through career education, coaching, employer partnerships, and campus collaboration, the Career Center connects students and alumni with resources and opportunities that support informed career decision-making and successful transitions from college to career.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership, Student Success, and Career Ecosystem Development:

• Provide strategic leadership for Career Center programs and cross-campus career development initiatives that advance student success, career readiness, workforce preparation, and post-graduation outcomes, consistent with university priorities and direction established by the Assistant Vice President.
• Develop recommendations for, and implement approved, long-range plans and strategic priorities for the Career Center in alignment with Cal Poly Pomona’s strategic priorities, polytechnic mission, and applicable CSU student success initiatives.
• Coordinate and lead Career Center contributions to institutional efforts that integrate career readiness throughout the student lifecycle and help students develop the knowledge, skills, experiences, and professional competencies necessary for career success and lifelong learning.
• Establish measurable goals, priorities, and assessment strategies that increase student participation in career development activities, experiential learning, and post-graduation success initiatives.
• Advance a campus-wide culture that recognizes career readiness and career-connected learning as shared institutional responsibilities across Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and University Advancement.
• Provide information, analysis, and recommendations to the Assistant Vice President and other university leaders regarding workforce trends, labor market demands, student career outcomes, and employer expectations to support institutional planning and resource decisions.
• Identify and implement innovative, scalable, and equity-minded practices that improve student access to career development opportunities and contribute to improved employment and graduate education outcomes.
• Represent the Career Center and Cal Poly Pomona, within delegated authority, in CSU initiatives, workforce development partnerships, professional associations, and external stakeholder groups related to career readiness and workforce preparation.
• Collaborate with divisional and university leadership on initiatives that support student success, social mobility, workforce preparation, and institutional effectiveness.
• Champion efforts that advance equitable student outcomes and support the university's commitment to becoming the nation's leading inclusive polytechnic university.

Career Readiness, Student Development, and Program Innovation:

• Provide leadership for comprehensive career development programs that prepare students to successfully navigate career exploration, professional development, and lifelong career management.
• Oversee career coaching, counseling, assessments, workshops, and professional development programs that support students and alumni in achieving their educational and career goals.
• Develop and implement innovative career education initiatives that engage students throughout their academic journey and promote informed career decision-making. Lead efforts to integrate career readiness competencies and workforce preparation into curricular and co-curricular experiences.
• Ensure career development programs effectively support career exploration, internship preparation, graduate school planning, networking, interviewing, and employment success.
• Develop targeted initiatives that reduce barriers and promote equitable participation among first-generation students, transfer students, veterans, international students, and historically underserved populations.
• Leverage technology and innovative service delivery models to increase access, engagement, and utilization of career services. Collaborate with campus partners to integrate career readiness into orientation programs, advising initiatives, leadership development programs, and student engagement opportunities.
• Foster students' professional identity development, career self-efficacy, and preparedness for success in an increasingly complex and dynamic workforce.

Employer Relations, Industry Engagement, and Career-Connected Learning:

• Lead the development of strategic partnerships that expand access to internships, employment opportunities, experiential learning, and professional networks